Summer (or spring!) rolls

Some people call them spring rolls, some people call them summer rolls. Either way, they’re yummy and surprisingly easy to make, once you get the hang of them.

They’re totally customizable, depending on what you like and what’s around in the fridge. You can put the sauce in the roll, or do the dipping thing.

I’ve gone for a veg/vegan roll because a) I like sneaking more veggies into unsuspecting husband and b) I’d rather avoid the fuss of precooking non-veggie stuff. But you can always add in cooked shrimp, chicken, rice noodles or whatever strikes your fancy.

Go for the 8 or 9 inch rice paper rounds. I’ve seen them at Whole Foods and Asian markets. I’ve never seen one with gluten, but check the label just in case. The 5 inch are way too small, and you could wrap a small dog in the big ones. Massive overkill, I think.

You can premix your “filler” veggies, which is easier, unless you have a picky person who doesn’t like one of the ingredients. In our house, that’s DH who doesn’t like cilantro. I know, hard to believe, but somehow, I love him anyhow.

These are great party foods and can be made ahead of time. Just wrap these babies up in wax paper and put them in a sealed baggie with a moist paper towel.

So here’s the general idea:
Have a large dish of warm water and all of your veggies arranged. Put the rice paper in warm water. Grab a piece of lettuce. Fish out your rice paper and arrange it on the plate. Put down the lettuce leaf and a small handful of the “filler” veggies. Roll up! If the paper rips, you can double wrap.

It takes a few tries to get the hang of it, and often less is more. Don’t overstuff! For a crash course, you can always come to my GF and healthy class in Alexandria, VA.

Serve with Thai dipping sauce or peanut sauce. I’ll post a soy free almond sauce recipe I use when I figure out what I put in it. It’s based on a modified recipe from the Spice and Herb Bible, one of my favorite reference books.
Book of Yum has a peanut agave sauce that looks intriguing, too.

About Cheryl Harris

Life played a funny trick on me. I've studied nutrition for years, and much to my surprise, found out that I could manage many of my health issues via diet. I've been GF for years, and I've got a bunch of allergies and sensitivities. But it definitely doesn't keep me from cooking, baking and enjoying my food.
Thanks for stopping by.

7 Responses to Summer (or spring!) rolls

Thanks! I was JUST asking my Vietnamese friend yesterday how to make these things!!! Hers included stuff we can’t eat, so I appreciate having your recipe! I have the rice wrappers and home but was afraid to try — no longer! – Tori

Hey Cheryl–you’ve inspired me! I love rice paper rolls and haven’t made them in ages. I’m going to recreate yours and adopt you for this month’s Adopt a Gluten-Free Blogger event, hosted by Shirley at Gluten Free Easily! Thanks for the recipe!

Love this! So freshing on such a hot day like today I’d love to have you link up again! You can find this week’s link up here: http://vegetarianmamma.com/gluten-free-fridays-recipe-party-2/
Also be sure to link up your blog on our Gluten Free Bloggers directory. You can reach the directory by clicking the “glutenfree bloggers” tab on our blog! Thanks, Cindy